Bulgaria Prepares for Euro Adoption: Divided Opinions and Political Tensions
EU leaders endorse Bulgaria's transition to using the Euro currency
Brussels has given the green light for Bulgaria to join the Eurozone as of January 1, 2026. Chancellor Friedrich Merz along with other EU leaders reached this decision during a summit meeting, allowing the Balkan country to become the 21st country to use the common currency.
Bulgaria's entry into the Eurozone will facilitate trade and travel for businesses and tourists alike. Biddie-byes to exchange rates wouldn't be necessary anymore, making financial hassle a thing of the past.
Bulgaria's intent to replace its national currency, Lev, with the Euro, was initially planned for the start of 2024. However, the decision was postponed due to an inflated inflation rate of 9.5% that year. To accede to the Eurozone, countries must meet certain convergence criteria, like price stability, sound public finances, and stable exchange rates. Currently, inflation in Bulgaria remains under control, making it eligible for Euro adoption.
However, not everyone is thrilled about the prospect. Protests against the Euro adoption are gaining momentum, as nationalists and pro-Russian factions fear price hikes. Fervent opponents, including the Vazrazhdane party, have regularly demonstrated in Sofia and other cities, demanding a referendum to retain the national currency Lev. The party alleges that authorities have manipulated data to expedite the Euro adoption, lamenting the loss of national sovereignty.
Recent opinion polls suggest that the Bulgarian population remains divided on the issue. According to a Mjara survey conducted in May 2025, 54.9% of adults are against adopting the Euro in 2026, while only 34.4% support the move. Conversely, Alpha Research indicates that a majority of 66.3% of Bulgarians actually support joining the Eurozone, highlighting the complexity of public sentiment surrounding the Euro adoption.
Although political opposition and public skepticism present challenges for Euro adoption, institutional support and technical preparations continue. The legislation necessary for the use of euros in Bulgaria are expected to be finalized in the coming months. Only then will Bulgaria be able to fully embrace the benefits that come with joining the Eurozone.
As Bulgaria inches closer to adopting the Euro, the country faces a significant crossroads. While tangible benefits and institutional support cannot be overlooked, the public unease, disinformation campaigns, and political resistance pose potential threats that need to be carefully navigated in the run-up to January 2026.
[1] Eurobarometer poll (2025)[2] NTV.DE (2025)[3] European Central Bank endorsement (2025)[4] Mjara poll (2025)[5] Alpha Research poll (2025)
- The community policy, politics, and industry discussions surrounding Bulgaria's Euro adoption have intensified, with concern about price hikes raised by nationalists and pro-Russian factions, who also demand a referendum to retain the national currency Lev.
- Financial institutions, the business sector, and the general-news media have been closely following the progress of Bulgaria's Euro adoption, as they analyze the potential benefits for trade and travel that the adoption could bring, as well as the implications for the country's economic stability and public finance.
- Debates about employment policies and the potential impact of the Euro adoption on the job market have been a significant part of the public discourse, as some worry that the adoption of the European currency could lead to significant changes in the employment landscape, while others argue that the Euro's adoption could contribute to economic growth and job creation in Bulgaria.
